Adhesion of CdTe quantum dots on model membranes and internalization into RBL-2H3 cells

Abstract Quantum dots (QDs) have attracted broad attention due to their special optical properties and promising prospect in medical and biological applications. However, the process of QDs on cell membrane is worth further investigations because such process may lead to harmful effects on organisms and also important for QD application. In this study, adhesion of amino- and carboxyl-coated CdTe QDs (A-QDs and C-QDs) on cell membrane and the subsequent internalization are studied using a series of endocytosis-free model membranes, including giant and small unilamellar vesicles, supported lipid bilayers and giant plasma membrane vesicles (GPMVs). The adhered QD amounts on model membranes are quantified by a quartz crystal microbalance. The CdTe QD adhesion on model membranes is governed by electrostatic forces. Positively charged A-QDs adhere on GPMV surface and passively penetrate the plasma membrane via endocytosis-free mechanism, but negatively charged C-QDs cannot. Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL-2H3) cells are exposed to CdTe QDs to monitor the QD internalization process. Both A- and C-QDs are internalized by RBL-2H3 cells mainly via endocytosis. CdTe QDs do not accumulate on the plasma membrane of living cells due to the fast endocytosis and the weakened electrostatic attraction in biological medium, resulting in low chance of passive penetration. The suspended cells after trypsin digestion take more QDs than the adherent cells. A-QDs cause lower cell viability than C-QDs, probably because the approach of positively charged QDs to cells is favored and the smaller aggregates of A-QDs.